US8597222B2 - Garment with adjustable compression - Google Patents

Abstract

An adjustable compression garment includes a first fabric portion that is moveable relative to a second fabric portion. At least the first fabric portion includes a stretchable material that provides a degree of compression to a human body. A fastening arrangement includes a first fastener device connected to the first fabric portion and a second fastening device connected to the second fabric portion. The fastening device provides an adjustable connection between first fabric portion and the second fabric portion. The fastening device is configured such that the degree of compression provided by the first fabric portion may be increased without disconnecting the first fastener device from the second fastener device.

Description

FIELD

This application relates to the field of athletic garments and other apparel and particularly to compression garments.

BACKGROUND

Compression garments are comprised of a stretchable material that generally adheres tightly to an individual in one or more areas of the body. Different compression garments are designed to provide different degrees of compression to a body part. However, the degree of compression provided by a given garment is dependent on the wearer's individual body shape and size. For example, two different athletes wearing a size large compression short may have significantly different thigh circumferences, resulting in significantly different amounts of compression provided by the garment. Furthermore, different individuals may prefer greater or lesser compression on a body part based on their own personal preferences, needs, activities and/or comfort levels.

Currently there is no way for a consumer to tailor a compression garment to the individual's, athlete's and/or consumer's individual needs or desires. Thus, for a particular individual, a compression garment will provide only one compression force, based on the size of the individual. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an adjustable compression garment that may be tailored to each individual consumer's particular needs.

SUMMARY

An adjustable compression garment comprises a first fabric portion that is moveable relative to a second fabric portion and positioned on a torso portion or a limb portion of the garment. At least the first fabric portion is comprised of a stretchable material that provides a degree of compression to a human body part. A fastening arrangement includes a first fastener device connected to the first fabric portion and a second fastening device connected to the second fabric portion. The fastening device provides an adjustable connection between the first fabric portion and the second fabric portion. The fastening device is configured such that the degree of compression provided by the first fabric portion may be increased without disconnecting the first fastener device from the second fastener device.

In at least one embodiment, the fastening arrangement comprises a unidirectional hook and loop arrangement where the hooks and loops are configured to allow the first fabric to slide over the second fabric without releasing the first fabric from the second fabric. In another embodiment, the fastening arrangement comprises an angled fiber arrangement also configured to allow the first fabric to slide over the second fabric without releasing the first fabric from the second fabric. Thus, in both of these embodiments, the degree of compression may be increased without releasing the first fabric from the second fabric.

In another alternative embodiment, the fastening arrangement comprises a roller and pocket arrangement wherein the roller is retained within the pocket and is configured to roll some of the first fabric portion into the pocket and thus increase the degree of compression.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the fastening arrangement comprises a lacing system including a first plurality of eyelets connected to the first fabric portion and a second plurality of eyelets connected to the second fabric portion with a cord extending between the eyelets. A cord adjustment mechanism is configured to increase or decrease the effective length of the cord extending between the eyelets. Accordingly the cord adjustment mechanism is thereby configured to increase or decrease the degree of compression.

In at least one alternative embodiment, the adjustable compression garment includes a pump with a plurality of air pockets. The pump is configured to pump air into the pockets and stretch the compression fabric, thus increasing the degree of compression provided by the garment.

In at least one embodiment, the adjustable compression garment includes a first fabric portion comprised of an elastic material that is provided on a torso portion or a limb portion of the garment. The garment further includes a second fabric portion comprised of a loop compatible stretch knit fabric. The first fabric portion includes a side that is releasably coupled to the second fabric portion by a unidirectional hook and loop fastening arrangement. The unidirectional hook and loop fastening arrangement includes a first fastener member provided on the first fabric portion and a second fastener member provided on the second fabric portion. The first and second fastener members are configured such that the first fabric portion and the first fastener member can move relative to the second fabric portion and the second fastener member while the first fastener member remains in contact with the second fastener member.

The above described features and advantages, as well as others, will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. While it would be desirable to provide a garment with adjustable compression that provides one or more of these or other advantageous features, the teachings disclosed herein extend to those embodiments which fall within the scope of the appended claims, regardless of whether they accomplish one or more of the above-mentioned advantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a rear perspective view of an adjustable compression garment in the form of shorts providing adjustable compression;

FIG. 1B shows the shorts ofFIG. 1A with a thigh flap on the front portion of the shorts released from the rear portion of the shorts with a fastening arrangement included on the shorts;

FIG. 1C shows an interior view of the thigh flap with the fastening arrangement ofFIG. 1B provided in the form of a hook pad of a unidirectional hook arrangement;

FIG. 2A shows a side view of the hook pad ofFIG. 1C;

FIG. 2B shows a diagrammatic side view of the unidirectional hook arrangement ofFIG. 1C with the hook pad released from a loop pad;

FIG. 2C shows a diagrammatic side view of an alternative embodiment of the unidirectional hook and loop arrangement ofFIG. 1C with dual hook pads released from one another;

FIG. 3A shows a diagrammatic side view of an angled fiber connection arrangement provided as an alternative embodiment of the unidirectional hook and loop arrangement ofFIG. 2B;

FIG. 3B shows a front perspective view of a short including the angled fiber connection arrangement ofFIG. 3A;

FIG. 3C shows an enlarged view of the fibers of the angled fiber connection arrangement ofFIG. 3A with the fibers disengaged;

FIG. 3D shows an enlarged view of the fibers of the angled fiber connection arrangement ofFIG. 3A with the fibers engaged;

FIG. 4A shows a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable compression short ofFIG. 1A using a roller bar and pocket as a fastening arrangement;

FIG. 4B shows an upper rear perspective view of the fastening arrangement ofFIG. 4A;

FIG. 5 shows a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable compression short ofFIG. 1A using a pump and air pockets to adjust the degree of compression;

FIG. 6A shows a side view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable compression short ofFIG. 1A with a lacing system as the fastening arrangement;

FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the adjustable compression short along line B-B ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C shows an interior side view of the adjustable compression short ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 6D shows a front view of the adjustable compression short ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 6E shows a rear view of the adjustable compression short ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A shows a cord adjustment mechanism configured for use with the lacing system of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 7B shows a side view of the cord adjustment mechanism ofFIG. 7B;

FIG. 8 shows a rear perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable compression shorts with lacing system ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 9 shows a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the adjustable compression shorts with the lacing system ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 10A shows a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the adjustable compression shorts with the lacing system ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 10B shows a rear perspective view of the shorts ofFIG. 10A with the cord adjustment mechanism being activated;

FIG. 11A shows a front view of another alternative embodiment of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 1A, where the adjustable compression arrangement is directed to the hamstring muscles;

FIG. 11B shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 11A;

FIG. 11C shows a side view of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 11A;

FIG. 11D shows an adjustment mechanism for the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 11C with a middle elastic layer and top cover layer removed;

FIG. 11E shows the adjustment mechanism ofFIG. 11D including the middle elastic layer;

FIG. 11F shows the adjustment mechanism ofFIG. 11E including the top cover layer;

FIG. 11G shows a handle of the adjustment mechanism ofFIG. 11F;

FIG. 11H shows the adjustment mechanism ofFIG. 11F at a first compression level;

FIG. 11I shows the adjustment mechanism ofFIG. 11F at a second compression level;

FIG. 11J shows the adjustment mechanism ofFIG. 11F at a third compression level;

FIG. 12A shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIGS. 11A-11J, where the adjustable compression arrangement is directed to the quadricep muscles;

FIG. 12B shows a side view of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 12A;

FIG. 12C shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 12A;

FIG. 13A shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIGS. 11A-11J, where the adjustable compression arrangement is directed to the gluteus maximus muscles;

FIG. 13B shows a side view of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 13A;

FIG. 13C shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIGS. 11A-11J, where each band includes a separate handle;

FIG. 14B shows a side view of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 14A;

FIG. 14C shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 14A;

FIG. 15A shows a front view of yet another alternative embodiment of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIGS. 11A-11J, where an anterior thigh portion is comprised of a loop compatible fabric;

FIG. 15B shows a side view of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 15A;

FIG. 15C shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 15A;

FIG. 15D shows a front view of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 15A with the elastic bands in an increased compression position;

FIG. 15E shows a side view of the adjustable compression shorts ofFIG. 15D;

FIG. 16A shows a front view of an embodiment of the adjustable compression garment where the garment is a shirt having an adjustable compression arrangement similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 11A-11J;

FIG. 16B shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shirt ofFIG. 16A showing the cover layer of the adjustable compression arrangement;

FIG. 16C shows a rear view of the adjustable compression shirt ofFIG. 16A with the cover layer removed to expose the elastic bands of the compression arrangement;

FIG. 16D shows a side view of the adjustable compression shirt ofFIG. 16A with the elastic bands and handle in an un-stretched position; and

FIG. 16E shows a side view of the adjustable compression shirt ofFIG. 16A with the elastic bands stretched to a first compression level.

DESCRIPTION

With reference toFIGS. 1A-1C, a first embodiment of a garment with adjustable compression is shown in the form of a compression short10 with anadjustable thigh flap12. A compression adjustment arrangement is provided by a unidirectional hook and loop fastener arrangement that allows thethigh flap12 to be adjusted on the short between a plurality of different positions. Each of the plurality of different positions stretches the fabric of the short to a different degree such that a different degree of compression is provided to the thigh of the individual wearing the short at each of the different positions.

The short10 is generally comprised of a stretchable compression material such as a fabric including elastane, polyester, nylon, mixtures thereof, or other stretch fabrics (which may also be referred to herein as “elastic” materials or fabrics). However, it will be recognized that any fabric with some modulus of elasticity may be utilized in various embodiments of the garment with adjustable compression disclosed herein. Furthermore, although exemplary embodiments of the garment with adjustable compression are described herein with reference to a pair of short pants, it will be recognized that the garment may be provided in any of various other forms in other embodiments, such as shirts, arm sleeves, leg sleeves, socks, long pants, headgear, or any other type of garment.

In the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A-1C, the short10 generally comprises a torso portion and leg portions. The torso portion in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A-1C includes awaistband14 and apelvis portion16. The limb portions include aleft leg portion18 and aright leg portion20. Theright leg portion20 is substantially the same as theleft leg portion18, with the twoleg portions18 and20 being substantially symmetric. Accordingly, only theleft leg portion18 will be described herein.

As shown inFIG. 1B, aslit22 is formed in theleft leg portion18 with thethigh flap12 provided along an edge of theslit22. Theslit22 extends from the bottom of theleft leg portion18 to an area on thepelvis portion16 near thewaistband14. Thethigh flap12 formed along theslit22 is comprised of one portion of fabric that overlaps another portion of fabric on the short10. Apatch19 may be provided along the edge of thethigh flap12 to reinforce thethigh flap12 and provide the wearer with an area to grasp when adjusting thethigh flap12. While theslit22 is shown in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A-1C as being provided along a lateral side of theleg portion18, in other embodiments theslit22 may be positioned in different places on the short, such as on a front or rear portion of the leg. Also, in other embodiments, theslit22 may extend the substantial length of the short10, as shown inFIG. 1B, or may extend a shorter distance along theleg portions18 or20.

Two complimentary fastener pads,leg pad24 andflap pad30 are provided on theleft leg portion18 of the short10. Thefastener pads24 and30 provide a fastener arrangement between the two portions of fabric separated by theslit22. Thefastener pads24 and30 are designed to releasably engage one another by any of various means, such as a hook and loop arrangement. The fastener pads include aleg pad24 that is provided on an exterior hamstring area of theleft leg portion18. Theleg pad24 includes alateral edge26 and arear edge28 and is configured to engage a flap pad30 (seeFIG. 1C) provided on the interior portion of thethigh flap12. Theleg pad24 is configured to engage theflap pad30 at numerous locations between thelateral edge26 andrear edge28 and hold theflap pad30 in place against theleg pad24. When theleg pad24 engages theflap pad30, theslit22 is closed in theshorts10 and the compression fabric is stretched to some degree around the leg of the wearer. Therefore, theleg pad24 and theflap pad30 provide a compression adjustment arrangement capable of varying a degree of compression provided to theleg portion18 of the wearer based on the engagement position of theflap pad30 relative to theleg pad24. A lesser degree of compression is provided on the leg of an individual wearing the short when thethigh flap12 and associatedflap pad30 are positioned closer to thelateral edge26 of theleg pad24. A greater degree of compression is provided on the leg of an individual wearing the short when thethigh flap12 and associatedflap pad30 are positioned closer to therear edge28 of theleg pad24. The reason for this is that the fabric encircling theleg portion18 must be stretched to a greater extent when theflap pad30 is joined toward therear edge28 of theleg pad24, thus providing greater compression around the leg.

The materials used to provide the leg andflap pads24 and30 may be any of a number of different fastener materials. For example, in the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A-1C, the leg andflap pads24 and30 are comprised of a unidirectional hook and loop fastener arrangement, with all of the loops provided on theleg pad24 and all of the hooks provided on theflap pad30.

An exemplary embodiment of theflap pad30 providing thehooks32 for a unidirectional hook and loop fastener arrangement is shown inFIGS. 2A-2B. As shown inFIG. 2A, with a unidirectional hook and loop fastener arrangement, all of thehooks32 are oriented in the same direction instead of multiple different orientations as is typical with most hook and loop fasteners. Anopening34 for receiving loops is formed between thetip36 of eachhook32 and thebase portion38 of theflap pad30. Even though all of thehooks32 are oriented in the same direction with the unidirectional hook and loop arrangement, all of theloops42 on theleg pad24 are generally not oriented in the same direction. With such a unidirectional hook and loop arrangement, when theleg pad24 is engaged with theflap pad30, the two pads easily slide across each other in a first direction (seearrow44 inFIGS. 1 and 2B), but the twofastener pads24 and30 are locked in place when slid in an opposite direction (e.g., the direction oppositearrow44 inFIGS. 1 and 2B). Furthermore, because the ends of thehooks32 wrap around theloops42, the twofastener pads24 and30 do not easily pull away from one another (e.g., in a direction perpendicular toarrow44 inFIG. 2B).

With the unidirectional hook and loop arrangement described above, thefastener pads24,30 may be oriented on theshorts10 to allow a wearer to easily adjust the compression provided on the wearer's thighs. In particular,fastener pads24,30 may be oriented such that the wearer may bring thethigh flap12 and associatedflap pad30 into engagement with theleg pad24 near thelateral edge26 of the first fastener and then slide thethigh flap12 along the leg pad24 (in the direction ofarrow44 ofFIGS. 1 and 2B) in order to gradually increase the degree of compression. As theflap pad30 slides over theleg pad24, the rounded portion of thehooks32 slides over theloops42 without engaging theloops42. When a desired level of compression is achieved, the wearer moves thethigh flap12 slightly in the opposite direction, or simply releases thethigh flap12, allowing the compression fabric to pull thethigh flap12 in the opposite direction. This movement of thethigh flap12 in the opposite direction causes thehooks32 on theflap pad30 to hook around theloops42 on theleg pad24. This locks thethigh flap12 in place on theshorts10 and also locks in the desired degree of compression. It will also be recognized that this arrangement provides for compression adjustment by sliding two components relative to one another along a planar level without the need to lift one component away from the other. This would not be possible if traditional hook and loop arrangements were used as thefastener pads24 and30, as traditional hook and loop arrangements would prohibit the sliding of theleg pad24 relative to theflap pad30. Accordingly, the compression adjustment arrangement is configured to (i) retain the compression fabric of the short10 at a first degree of stretch, (ii) increase the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a second degree of stretch without releasing the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a lesser degree of stretch, and (iii) retain the at least one fabric portion at the second degree of stretch.

After sliding theflap pad30 along theleg pad24 to achieve a given level of compression, the user may wish to reduce the compression level. In order to accomplish such a reduction in the compression level, he or she simply slides thefastener pads24 and30 only slightly in the compression direction in order to release thehooks32 from theloops42. The wearer then pulls thethigh flap12 and associatedflap pad30 outward and away from theleg pad24, thus releasing thethigh flap12 from theleg pad30.

In at least one alternative embodiment of the arrangement shown inFIGS. 1A-2B, the hook and loop fastener arrangement may be substituted for a dual unidirectional hook arrangement, such as that shown inFIG. 2C. In such an embodiment, each of thefastener pads24 and30 includes a unidirectional hook arrangement. Thepads24 and30 are arranged such that thehooks33 on theleg pad24 catch thehooks32 on the opposingflap pad30 when theflap pad30 is moved relative to theleg pad24 in the direction ofarrow45. When thehooks32 and33 catch each other, thefastener pads24 and30 are locked together and theflap pad30 is prevented from further movement relative to theleg pad24 in the direction ofarrow45. However, when theflap pad30 is moved in the opposite direction fromarrow45, the curved portions of thehooks32 on theflap pad30 slide over the curved portions of thehooks33 on theleg pad24, allowing theflap pad30 to move relative to theleg pad24 in the direction oppositearrow45. Accordingly, the molded unidirectional hook arrangement ofFIG. 2A is advantageous in both of the embodiments ofFIGS. 2B and 2C because it does not easily snag fabric in one direction of movement. Furthermore, particles are also not easily collected in the hooks since there is no double-sided hook to lock particles in the arrangement. As used herein, the term “unidirectional hook arrangement” refers to an arrangement where substantially all of the hooks of the fastener member are oriented in the same general direction, including a unidirectional hook and loop arrangement, such as that ofFIG. 2B, and a dual unidirectional hook arrangement, such as that ofFIG. 2C.

With reference now toFIGS. 3A-3D, another alternative embodiment of the short10 with adjustable compression is shown. This embodiment is similar to that ofFIGS. 1A-2B, but instead of a unidirectional hook and loop arrangement, the fastener arrangement is provided by fastener pads that comprise angled fibers (commonly referred to as a “cat's tongue” arrangement). In particular, theleg pad24 includes a plurality ofplush fibers50 and the opposingflap pad30 also includes a plurality ofplush fibers52. Thefibers50 and52 are oriented approximately 45° relative to therespective substrates51,53 from which the fibers extend. Thefibers50,52 may be comprised of any of numerous different materials, such as nylon or mohair, for example, or various other synthetic or natural fibers that may be attached to thesubstrates51,53 at an angle and resiliently maintained at such angle. In order to achieve this resilient orientation of the fibers a roller or other mechanism may be used to force thefibers50,52 downward while heat is simultaneously applied to the fibers, thus locking the orientation of the fibers relative to theirrespective substrates51,53.

When theleg pad24 faces theflap pad30, as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3C, thefibers50,52 on therespective pads24,30 point in opposite directions. If theflap pad30 is brought into engagement with theleg pad24, thefibers50 and52 mesh together, as shown inFIG. 3D. The orientation of the fibers allows theflap pad30 to slide over theleg pad24 in one direction (e.g. in the direction ofarrow54 shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B). However, the orientation of thefibers50,52 prevents theflap pad30 from moving in an opposite direction relative to the leg pad24 (i.e., a direction opposite arrow54).

Thefastener pads24,30 provide a compression adjustment arrangement for theshorts10. Thus, thefastener pads24,30 are oriented on theshorts10 to allow a wearer to easily adjust the compression provided on the wearer's thighs. In particular,pads24,30 may be oriented such that the wearer may bring thethigh flap12 and associatedflap pad30 into engagement with theleg pad24 near thelateral edge26 of theleg pad24 and then slide thethigh flap12 and associatedflap pad30 along the leg pad24 (in the direction ofarrow54 ofFIGS. 3A and 3B) in order to gradually increase the degree of compression. This gradual increase in the degree of compression may be accomplished without decoupling theleg pad24 from theflap pad30. As theflap pad30 slides over theleg pad24, theplush fibers52 of theflap pad30 slide over theplush fibers50 of theleg pad24. When a desired level of compression is achieved, the wearer releases thethigh flap12, allowing the compression fabric to pull thethigh flap12 in the opposite direction, and causing the plush fibers to mesh together in a locking arrangement as shown inFIG. 3D. This locks thethigh flap12 in place on theshorts10 and also locks in the desired degree of compression. Similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 1A-2B, this arrangement provides for compression adjustment by sliding two components relative to one another along a planar level without the need to lift one component away from the other or disconnect the two components. Also, the compression adjustment arrangement is configured to (i) retain the compression fabric at a first degree of stretch, (ii) increase the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a second degree of stretch without releasing the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a lesser degree of stretch, and (iii) retain the at least one fabric portion at the second degree of stretch.

As shown inFIG. 3B, aflap56 is attached to theleft leg portion18 and extends over thethigh flap12 in order to block thethigh flap12 from moving outward and away from theleg pad24. Theflap56 is provided by a swath of fabric that is secured to thepelvis portion16 of the shorts, extends over theflap pad30, and is releasably attached to the bottom of theleft leg portion18. Accordingly, theflap56 may include a hook and loop type fastener on an interior of the end portion of theflap56 that engages a complimentary fastener near the exterior hem of theleg portion18. When the fastener on theflap56 is removed from the fastener on the leg portion, theflap56 may be peeled away to expose thethigh flap12. This allows the wearer to then release thethigh flap12 from theleg pad24 by simply pulling thethigh flap12 outward and away from theleg pad24. In at least one alternative embodiment, theflap56 may be comprised of a stretch fabric that is fixed to both thepelvis portion16 of theshorts10 and the hem of theleft leg portion18. In this embodiment, the wearer may gain access to thethigh flap12 by pulling theflap56 outward and away from thethigh flap12, thus stretching theflap56 and allowing the user to manipulate thethigh flap12 as desired.

With reference now toFIGS. 4A and 4B, in an alternative embodiment of theshorts10 with adjustable compression, thethigh flap12 is provided as an elongated swath of fabric62 (or “power strip”) that engages aroll bar60. Theroll bar60 provides a fastener arrangement that couples the elongated swatch offabric62 to the back side of theshorts10. Theroll bar60 includes a stationary outer portion and a rotatable inner bar portion. The rotatable inner bar is coupled to thepower strip62. Theroll bar60 is configured such that the inner bar may be rotated in a manner that rolls the end portions of thepower strip62 into theroll bar60 or allow the end portions of thepower strip62 to be released from theroll bar60. The outerportion roll bar60 is fixedly retained within asleeve64 on theleft leg portion18 of theshorts10. Thesleeve64 may be provided by a stretch material, similar to the compression fabric of theshorts10, or may be provided by other material. Aknob61 is provided at the top of theroll bar60 and is connected to the rotatable inner bar. Theknob61 allows a user to rotate theroll bar60 such that theroll bar60 provides a compression adjustment arrangement for theshorts10. When theknob61 is rotated in one direction, theroll bar60 pulls fabric around theroll bar60, thus stretching the fabric on thepower strip62 pulling on thepower strip62 and increasing the compression around the wearer's thigh. Accordingly, theroll bar60 may include a locking component that allows theroll bar60 to be locked in place to achieve a desired compression. When theknob61 is rotated in an opposite direction, fabric on thepower strip62 is released from theroll bar60, thus decreasing the compression around the wearer's thigh. Atensioner66 covers thepower strip62 next to thesleeve64. Thetensioner66 may be comprised of a swath of fabric that is connected to theleft leg portion18 and thepelvis portion16 or other upper portion of theleg portion18. Thepower strip62 extends under thetensioner66 and thetensioner66 maintains thepower strip62 in a close engagement against theleg portion18. Similar to the embodiments ofFIGS. 1A-3B, the embodiment ofFIGS. 4A and 4B provides for compression adjustment on a garment by sliding two components relative to one another along a planar level without the need to lift one component away from the other or disconnect the two components. Of course, in the embodiment ofFIGS. 4A and 4B, the sliding is accomplished with the assistance of a mechanical device in the form of theroll bar60. Moreover, the compression adjustment arrangement ofFIGS. 4A and 4B is also configured to (i) retain the compression fabric of theshorts10 at a first degree of stretch, (ii) increase the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a second degree of stretch without releasing the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a lesser degree of stretch, and (iii) retain the at least one fabric portion at the second degree of stretch.

With reference now toFIG. 5, an alternative embodiment of the short10 with adjustable compression is provided in the form of a short10 including apump70 for moving fluid, e.g., air, with a plurality ofinflatable pockets72 that provide the compression adjustment arrangement. Thepump70 is in fluid communication with thepockets72 which are provided within or on acompression panel74 that covers a substantial part of theleft leg portion18. Thecompression panel74 may also extend to other portions of the short, such as thepelvis portion16, as shown inFIG. 5. Thecompression panel74 is comprised of a compression fabric that includes elastane or any of various other stretch materials. Thecompression panel74 may cover other compression fabric provided on theleft leg portion18, such that thepockets72 are positioned between an inner layer of compression fabric and an outer layer of compression fabric provided by thecompression panel74.

Thepump70 is a hand operated push pump. The pump includes aflexible diaphragm76 that covers a fluid cavity behind theflexible diaphragm76. The fluid cavity is in connected to the network ofpockets72. Thepockets72 are all interconnected by channels (not shown) that extend between thepockets72. Thepockets72 and interconnecting channels may be encased with a flexible plastic material that allows the pockets and channels to expand and contract as fluid moves in and out of the pockets and channels.

When a user presses on theflexible diaphragm76, fluid in the cavity behind thediaphragm76 is forced out from the cavity and into the network ofpockets72. When the user releases thediaphragm76, the resilient diaphragm returns to an outward position and draws additional fluid into the cavity. A one-way valve (not shown) provided between the cavity and the network ofair pockets72 prevents fluid from escaping from the network ofair pockets72 when thediaphragm76 is released. With each subsequent depression of the diaphragm additional fluid is forced into the network of air pockets72. As thepockets72 fill with fluid, they expand and cause the compression fabric around them to stretch. This, in turn, increases the compression provided by the compression fabric of theshorts10. The wearer may continue to depress and release thediaphragm76 until the desired level of compression is achieved. When the wearer wishes to decrease the compression level, the user activates a relief valve (not shown) which allows fluid to escape from the network ofpockets72. In view of the foregoing description, it will be recognized that the compression adjustment arrangement ofFIG. 5 is therefore configured to (i) retain the compression fabric of theshorts10 at a first degree of stretch, (ii) increase the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a second degree of stretch without releasing the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a lesser degree of stretch, and (iii) retain the at least one fabric portion at the second degree of stretch.

With reference now toFIGS. 6A-6E, an alternative embodiment of an adjustable compression garment is shown as a short10 with anadjustable lacing system80 as the compression adjustment arrangement. Each leg of the short10 includes afront panel82 and arear panel84 with aside panel86 positioned in between thefront panel82 and therear panel84. The short10 includes a fastening arrangement comprised of a plurality of lacingeyestays88, acord90, and acord adjustment mechanism100. The lacing eyestays88 (which may also be referred to herein as eyelets) are connected to thefront panel82 and therear panel84 at positions near theside panel86. Thecord90 is threaded between the plurality of lacingeyestays88 such that the lacingeyestays88 are connected to one another by thecord90. Thecord90 is also connected to acord adjustment mechanism100 which is configured to reduce and elongate the effective length of thecord90 that extends between the plurality of lacingeyestays88.

Thefront panel82 andrear panel84 of the short10 are comprised of a compression fabric, such as, for example, an elastane or other stretch fabric. Theside panel86 is comprised of a relatively inelastic material, such as a synthetic leather material. In at least one embodiment, a mesh backer87 (seeFIG. 6B) may be provided on the inside of theside panel86 to provide additional comfort for the wearer, and separate theside panel86 from the wearer's skin.

As shown inFIGS. 6B and 6C, a fold-overgusset92 connects thefront panel82 to one side of theside panel86. Another fold overgusset94 connects therear panel84 to the opposite side of theside panel86. In at least one embodiment, the fold-overgussets92,94 may also be comprised of a compression fabric. However, in other embodiments, the fold-overgussets92,94 may be comprised of other materials, including relatively inelastic materials, such as synthetic leather.

As shown inFIGS. 6A and 6C, aside extension panel96 connects thefront panel82 to therear panel84 near the top of the short10 and the bottom of the short. Thisside extension panel96 may be comprised of any type of fabric, including compression fabrics and relatively inelastic fabrics. As also shown inFIG. 6A, areinforcement overlay98 may also be used to stabilize the area where the lacingeyestays88 are connected on the short10. Thereinforcement overlay98 is typically comprised of a relatively strong and relatively inelastic material, such as a synthetic leather. However, in other embodiments thereinforcement overlay98 may also be comprised of any of numerous other fabrics, including compression fabrics.

Thecord adjustment mechanism100 for the embodiment ofFIGS. 6A-6E is provided as a rotatable dial and spool arrangement. An exemplary rotatable dial and spool arrangement is shown inFIGS. 7A and 7B. In this embodiment, thedial102 is configured for rotation by a human hand. Accordingly, thedial102 includes a plurality ofribs104 designed and dimensioned to engage the fingers of the wearer, thus allowing the wearer to rotate thedial102. Thedial102 is retained within a generallycircular base portion106. Thebase portion106 includes twoopenings108 that receive thecord90, and allow thecord90 to move into and out of thecord adjustment mechanism100 when a spool (not shown) of thecord adjustment mechanism100 is rotated. The spool is connected to thedial102 and is made to rotate when thedial102 is rotated.

In operation, when the wearer rotates thedial102 in one direction, the spool connected to thedial102 reels in a length of thecord90, thus reducing the effective length of the cord that is threaded between the lacingeyestays88. When the effective length of thecord90 is reduced, theeyestays88 are drawn together, as represented byarrows105 inFIGS. 6A and 6B. A ratchet mechanism (not shown) connected to the spool prevents the length of cord reeled into the spool from being released from the spool. When theeyestays88 are drawn together, thefront panel82 andrear panel84 are stretched in the direction ofarrows105, thus increasing the degree of compression on a wearer's thighs. If the wearer wishes to relieve the compression, he or she presses a release button (e.g., depresses thedial102 or another button on the base portion106) in order to release the spool from the ratchet mechanism. When the spool is released from the ratchet mechanism, the spool is unlocked and free to rotate in an opposite direction that allows thecord90 to be pulled away from the spool. With the cord unlocked, theeyestays88 pull away from each other in a direction opposite the direction shown byarrows105, thus pulling thecord90 from the spool and releasing the degree of compression provided by theshorts10. Accordingly, the wearer is provided with a garment having an adjustable compression arrangement where the adjustable compression panels remain connected via the cord when the compression on the garment is adjusted. In other words, in order to adjust compression, there is no need for the wearer to separate a first panel from a second panel or disconnect the two panels. In this way, the embodiment ofFIGS. 6A-6E is similar to the embodiments ofFIGS. 1A-4B. Of course, in each of these embodiments, the fasteners used to connect the panels to one another while still allowing movement of the panels are different. Similar to other embodiments described above, the compression adjustment arrangement ofFIGS. 6A-7B is configured to (i) retain the compression fabric of theshorts10 at a first degree of stretch, (ii) increase the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a second degree of stretch without releasing the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a lesser degree of stretch, and (iii) retain the at least one fabric portion at the second degree of stretch.

With reference now toFIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of theadjustable lacing system80 is shown where thecord adjustment mechanism100 is placed in a different location on the garment. In particular, in the arrangement ofFIG. 8, thecord adjustment mechanism100 is situated near the center of theleft leg portion18 and the lacingeyestays88 instead of near the bottom of theleft leg portion18 and the lacingeyestays88. It will also be recognized that thecord adjustment mechanism100 could also be placed on numerous other locations on the short10.

With reference now toFIG. 9, in an alternative embodiment of theadjustable lacing system80, thecord90 is adjusted using an alternativecord adjustment mechanism100. In particular, in the embodiment ofFIG. 9, thecord adjustment mechanism100 includes atensioner110. Thetensioner110 includes a ratchet arrangement (not shown) that allows thecord90 to be pulled through thetensioner110 and not released until a release mechanism is activated. Ahandle112 is provided on thecord90 to assist a wearer in pulling on thecord90. Thehandle112 may be comprised of a relatively soft and flexible material. Apocket114 configured to receive thehandle112 andcord90 is provided on theshorts10 along theside panel86, just above thetensioner110. In order to increase the compression provided on theleg portion18, the user pulls thecord90 away from thetensioner110 using thehandle112. This causes a length of thecord90 to pass through thetensioner110, thus decreasing the effective length of thecord90 threaded between the lacingeyestays88, and increasing the compression provided by thefront panel82 andrear panel84 of theshorts10. In order to decrease the compression, the user depresses a release mechanism, thus allowing thecord90 to pass back through thetensioner110, increasing the effective length of thecord90 threaded between the lacingeyestays88, and decreasing the compression provided by thefront panel82 andrear panel84 of theshorts10.

Yet another alternative embodiment of theadjustable lacing system80 is shown inFIGS. 10A and 10B. This arrangement is similar to that ofFIG. 6A, but thecord adjustment mechanism100 includes atensioner120 that is rotated using a lawnmower-type pullstring arrangement instead of hand rotation of thedial102. In this embodiment, ahandle122 is connected to apullstring124 that engages the spool (not shown). When the wearer pulls thehandle122 away from thetensioner120, as shown inFIG. 10B, thepullstring124 causes the spool to rotate in one direction, resulting in a length ofcord90 being reeled-in by the spool. This also causes thefront panel82 and backpanel84 to be stretched, thus increasing the degree of compression provided by theshorts10. When a release actuator is depressed (such as depression of the dial102), the ratchet mechanism that locks the spool is released and the length of cord is released back to the lacingeyestays88. This, in turn, reduces the amount of stretch on thefront panel82 and backpanel84 and reduces the compression provided by theshorts10.

Still another alternative embodiment of adjustable compression garment ofFIG. 1A is shown inFIGS. 11A-11J. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 11A-11J, the adjustment mechanism for the compression short10 is provided as aninterval adjustment arrangement140, where each adjustment interval offers a different degree of compression to a targeted muscle group.

As shown inFIG. 11E, theinterval adjustment arrangement140 comprises at least oneelastic band144 comprised of an elastic material that extends over theprimary fabric layer142 of the short10 (which may also be referred to herein as the “base fabric layer”). Twoelastic bands144 are shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 11E. Eachelastic band144 includes one end that is fixedly connected to theinseam154 of the short10 and an opposite end that is releasably connected to compression adjustment members in the form ofdocking pads148. When theelastic bands144 are stretched, the bands remain connected to theinseam154 and stretch away from theinseam154 thereby increasing the degree of compression provided by theelastic bands144. However, in alternative embodiments, theelastic bands144 may be connected to other positions on the short10.

Theelastic bands144 are designed to cover a target compression area for the short10. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 11A-11J, the target compression area is the hamstring muscles. Thus, theelastic bands144 extend across the back portion of eachleg18,20 in a direction that is substantially transverse (perpendicular) to the direction of the hamstring muscle fibers. Theelastic bands144 are sufficiently wide to cover a substantial portion of the hamstring muscles. Theelastic bands144 may be comprised of any of numerous materials, such as elastomeric materials, polyester, nylon, combinations thereof, or compression fabrics. Theelastic bands144 may be oriented on the garment such that the main stretch direction of theelastic bands144 is aligned with the direction in which the bands are pulled when adjusted for different levels of compression.

As shown inFIGS. 11C-11F, theadjustment mechanism140 further includes ahandle146 connected to an end of eachelastic band144 opposite theinseam154. Thehandle146 is configured to be easily grasped by a wearer and pulled, thus allowing the wearer to extend theelastic bands144 and increase compression, adding additional support to the targeted area. Thehandle146 may be comprised of any of numerous materials, including textiles and plastic materials. In at least one embodiment, thehandle146 is comprised of a relatively soft and resilient elastomer such as polyurethane, which may be easily grasped by the wearer.FIG. 11G shows that the inside of thehandle146 includes a fastener member, such as a unidirectional hook member, with the hook members curving back toward theelastic band144.

Thehandle146 is configured to be releasably attached to any of a plurality of incrementally positioneddocking pads148a-d. Each of thedocking pads148a-dis positioned on thebase fabric layer142 of the short10. Thisbase fabric layer142 may be a compression fabric, or any of various other types of fabric. Each of thedocking pads148a-dincludes a complimentary fastening member configured to join to the fastening member of thehandle146. Thus, thedocking pads148a-dmay include loop members configured to engage the unidirectional hook member of thehandle146. This unidirectional hook and loop fastening arrangement allows the user to increase compression by sliding the handle along the surface of the leg to the next incremental docking pad. In order to release the compression, the user may move the handle to a position in-between thedocking pads148a-d, pull thehandle146 away from the docking pads andbase fabric layer142, and move thehandle146 back toward thefirst docking pad148a.

Thedocking pads148a-dmay be marked with indicia to indicate the level of compression offered at that particular docking pad. In the disclosed embodiment, thedocking pads148 are marked with a roman numbering system, I, II, III, where thedocking pad148d, marked with Roman numeral III is the tightest or highest compression offered. Thedocking pad148aclosest to the elastic member is a zero or normal level compression, and theelastic bands144 do not offer any additional compression when thehandle146 is at this position (seeFIG. 11F).FIG. 11H shows thehandle146 connected todocking pad148bfor the lowest level of compression.FIG. 11I shows thehandle146 connected to thedocking pad148cfor the middle level of compression.FIG. 11J shows thehandle146 connected to thedocking pad148dfor the highest level of compression.

As shown inFIG. 11F, acover layer150 is provided over theelastic bands144. Thecover layer150 forms a pocket around thebands144 and conceals a major portion of thebands144 on theshorts10. In at least one embodiment, abridge member116 may be connected to the cover layer. Thebridge member116 generally extends across theelastic bands144 and helps retain thebands144 in a proper position on the garment. In at least one embodiment, thebridge member116 may be comprised of an elastomeric material. In other embodiments, the bridge member may be a generally non-elastic material. It will also be recognized that in other embodiments, thecover layer150 and/or thebridge member116 may absent from the garment.

Thebridge member116 may be connected to thebase fabric142 at a position between thebands144, thus providing a structure that extends across each of thebands144 and helps maintain a separation between thebands144. In the embodiment ofFIGS. 11A-11J, thebridge member116 extends the length of theshorts10 fromwaist band14 tocuff15. However, in other embodiments, thebridge member116 may only extend across the cover layer150 (see, e.g., the embodiments ofFIGS. 12A-C and13A-C).

As mentioned above, in the embodiment ofFIGS. 11A-11J, the target compression area is the hamstring muscles. However, the shorts or other garment may be arranged such that the target compression area is another muscle group on the lower body, such as, for example, the quadriceps, gluteus maximus, or calf muscles.FIGS. 12A-C show an alternative embodiment where the target compression area is the quadriceps. Theadjustment mechanism140 in this embodiment is the same as that shown inFIGS. 11A-J, but the adjustment mechanism is moved in order to provide compression to the anterior side of the short to target the quadriceps. Additionally, thebridge member116 extends only across thecover150 instead of the length of the short in the embodiment ofFIGS. 12A-C. Similarly,FIGS. 13A-C show an alternative embodiment where the target compression area is the gluteus maximus. Theadjustment mechanism140 in this embodiment is the same as that shown inFIGS. 12A-C. In each of the disclosed embodiments, the muscle group is targeted and supported by having the wideelastic band144 covering that area on the body thereby gaining the ability to give additional support through increasing compression. Each of these designs includes an embodiment where the compression adjustment mechanism utilizes unidirectional hook and loop fasteners.

Another alternative embodiment of the garment is shown inFIGS. 14A-14C. This embodiment is similar to that ofFIGS. 11A-11J, but in the embodiment ofFIGS. 14A-14C, each of thebands144 is connected to aseparate handle146. This allows the user to selectively adjust the compression of eachband144 within a muscle group. Accordingly, the user may choose to select an increased level of compression on a first band (e.g., a lower band), and lesser level of compression on a second band (e.g. an upper band) within a single muscle group. WhileFIGS. 14A-14C show twobands144 and handles146 for each hamstring, it will be recognized that any number of bands and handles may be provided for a given muscle group. In order to maintain separation between thebands144, each band is positioned in separate sides of a split pocket in the embodiment ofFIGS. 14A-14C.

Yet another alternative embodiment of the garment is shown inFIGS. 15A-15E. This embodiment is similar to that ofFIGS. 14A-14C, but in the embodiment ofFIGS. 15A-15E thebase fabric material142 on ananterior thigh portion130 of the garment is comprised of a loop compatible fabric, such as a loop compatible stretch knit fabric. For example, thebase fabric material142 may be an unbroken loop tricot fabric weighing 7.5 oz./sq. yd. and including about 91% nylon and 9% spandex. This loop compatible fabric includes a plurality of loops integrally formed with the knit construction of the fabric, such that individual loops extend outward on the face of the fabric. This allows the fabric itself to provide a large fastener connection area for engagement with a unidirectional hook arrangement. Accordingly, docking pads (such aspads148a-148din the embodiment ofFIG. 11A) are not included on thebase fabric material142 in the embodiment ofFIGS. 15A-15E. However, it will be recognized that in at least one embodiment, indicia of a degree of compression provided by the bands may be included on the loop compatible fabric on theanterior thigh portion130 of the shorts.

Thehandle146 in the embodiment ofFIGS. 15A-15E is provided by a reinforced foldover elastic portion on the ends of theelastic bands144. A unidirectional hook fastener is provided on the inner side of thehandle146. This unidirectional hook fastener is similar to that shown inFIG. 11G. The unidirectional hook fastener is configured to engage the loops on the loop compatible fabric on theanterior thigh portion130 of theshorts10.

Similar to the embodiment ofFIGS. 11A-11F, acover layer150 conceals thebands144 on the rear portion of theshorts10 in the embodiment ofFIGS. 15A-15E. In particular, thecover layer150 forms a pocket on the shorts and thebands144 are received by and at least partially retained within the pocket. As particularly shown inFIGS. 15B and 15C, stitching132 is provided on thecover layer150 which splits the pocket into twodistinct sides140aand140b, with each side of the pocket concealing one of the twobands144. This split pocket arrangement keeps thebands144 separated on the garment and facilitates independent use of eachband144. Abridge member116 extends across thecover layer150 at the openings to the pockets.

In order to adjust the degree of compression provided by the garment, the wearer simply moves thehandles108 inward, sliding the unidirectional hooks on the underside of the handles across the loops provided by the loop compatible fabric of theanterior thigh portion130.FIGS. 15D and 15E show thebands144 in a stretched position on the garment with the attached handles108 pulled inward (i.e., away from the bridge portion116) in order to increase the degree of compression provided to the hamstring muscles of the wearer. In order to release the degree of compression, the wearer pulls thehandles146 away from theanterior thigh portion130 and allows theelastic bands144 to relax. Relaxation of theelastic bands144 draws the attached handles146 back toward thebridge portion116. Thehandles146 may then be reconnected to the loop compatible fabric with theelastic bands144 providing a lesser degree of compression.

While various embodiments of the adjustable compression garment have been described with respect to shorts inFIGS. 1-15, it will be recognized that the adjustable compression arrangement may also be provided on different garments, including shirts, sleeves, long pants, headgear, socks, shoes, or any other type of garment. In addition, the adjustable compression arrangement may be provided on a base layer, mid-layer, or inner layer of a garment, or on outerwear garments, including both tops and bottoms. An example of an alternative type of garment using the adjustable compression arrangement is shown inFIGS. 16A-16E. These figures show an adjustable compression arrangement on ashirt11 with the adjustable compression arrangement directed to the muscles of the lower back. As shown inFIG. 16A, theshirt11 comprises a torso portion including anabdomen portion200, achest portion202, alower back portion204 and anupper back portion206. Theshirt11 further comprises limb portions including aright arm portion210 and aleft arm portion212. Dockingpads148 are provided on theabdomen portion200 and are periodically positioned along the sides of the abdomen portion extending toward the center front portion of the garment. Theelastic bands144 are positioned on thelower back portion204 of the garment with acover layer150 provided over theelastic bands144, as shown inFIGS. 16B and 16C. Similar to the arrangement ofFIGS. 11A-J, a user may adjust the level of compression by grasping thehandles146 and moving the handles to thedocking pad148 associated with the desired level of compression. For example, inFIG. 16D, thehandles146 are in a relaxed position, such that the elastic bands are unstretched.FIG. 16E shows thehandles146 moved to afirst docking pad148 associated with a first level of compression. It will also be recognized that in an alternative embodiment the garment ofFIGS. 16A-16E may include a loop compatible fabric in lieu of thedocking pads148 in the abdominal area. Furthermore, although the targeted compression area in the embodiment ofFIGS. 16A-16E is directed to the muscles of the lower back, the targeted compression area may be provided on any other portion of theshirt11, including for example the abdomen, the arms, the upper back or the chest. Moreover, in other embodiments, different adjustable compression arrangements could be used to target various areas of the upper body.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to certain preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of skill in the art that other implementations and adaptations are possible. Moreover, there are advantages to individual advancements described herein that may be obtained without incorporating other aspects described above. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred embodiments contained herein.

Claims (19)

What is claimed is:

1. A garment comprising:

a torso portion;

a first fabric portion comprised of an elastic material, the first fabric portion provided on the torso portion or a limb portion of the garment;

a second fabric portion releasably coupled to a side of the first fabric portion by a unidirectional hook arrangement, the unidirectional hook arrangement including a first fastener pad on the first fabric portion and a plurality of incrementally positioned second fastener pads on the second fabric portion, wherein the first fastener pad and plurality of second fastener pads are configured such that the first fabric portion and the first fastener pad can move relative to the second fabric portion and the second fastener pads while the first fastener pad remains in contact with the second fastener pad.

2. The garment ofclaim 1 wherein the unidirectional hook arrangement comprises a dual unidirectional hook arrangement.

3. The garment ofclaim 2 wherein the first fabric portion includes at least one elongated elastic band, wherein a first end of the at least one elastic band is releasably coupled to the second fabric portion by the unidirectional hook arrangement, and wherein a second end of the at least one elastic band is fixedly coupled to the second fabric portion.

4. The garment ofclaim 3 wherein the at least one elastic band is positioned within a pocket on the second fabric portion.

5. The garment ofclaim 4 wherein the pocket is a split pocket including a first side and a second side, and the at least one elongated elastic band comprises a first elastic band positioned in the first side of the split pocket and a second elastic band positioned in the second side of the split pocket.

6. The garment ofclaim 3 wherein a handle is provided on the first end of the elastic band and the first fastener pad is provided on the handle, the handle having a first shape and each of the second fastener pads having a shape that is substantially the same as the first shape.

7. The garment ofclaim 1 wherein the unidirectional hook arrangement comprises a unidirectional hook-and-loop arrangement.

8. The garment ofclaim 1 wherein the garment is a pair of short pants and the first fabric portion and second fabric portion are provided on a thigh portion of the short pants.

9. A garment configured to be worn on a human body part, the garment comprising:

a torso portion;

at least one fabric portion comprised of an elastic material, the at least one fabric portion provided on the torso portion or a limb portion of the garment, the at least one fabric portion configured to provide a degree of compression to the human body part depending on a degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion; and

a compression adjustment arrangement coupled to the at least one fabric portion, the compression adjustment arrangement comprising a first fastener pad and a plurality of discrete second fastener pads, the first fastener pad providing a first fastener member and each of the second fastener pads providing a second fastener member that is associated with and complimentary to the first fastener member, the compression adjustment arrangement configured to (i) retain the at least one fabric portion at a first degree of stretch with the first fastener member engaging one of the plurality of discrete second fastener members, (ii) allow the first fastener member to move relative to the plurality of discrete second fastener members in order to increase the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a second degree of stretch without releasing the at least one fabric portion from the first degree of stretch to a lesser degree of stretch, and (iii) retain the at least one fabric portion at the second degree of stretch with the first fastener member engaging another of the plurality of discrete second fastener members.

10. The garment ofclaim 9 wherein the at least one fabric portion comprises a first fabric portion and a second fabric portion, the second fabric portion moveable on the garment relative to the first fabric portion, wherein the compression adjustment arrangement is configured such that the first fastener member is coupled to the first fabric portion and the second fastener members are coupled to the second fabric portion, and wherein the compression adjustment arrangement is configured to increase the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion by movement of the first fastener member relative to the second fastener members while the first fastener member remains in contact with the second fastener members.

11. The garment ofclaim 10 wherein the compression adjustment arrangement comprises a unidirectional hook arrangement configured to allow the first fastener member to slide relative to the second fastener members in a direction that increases the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion while the first fastener member remains in contact with the second fastener members.

12. The garment ofclaim 10 wherein the compression adjustment arrangement comprises an angled fiber arrangement wherein the first fastener member comprises a plurality of fibers extending in a first direction and each of the second fastener members comprises a plurality of fibers extending in a second direction that is substantially opposed to the first direction, and wherein the angled fiber arrangement is configured to allow the first fastener member to slide relative to the second fastener-members in a direction that increases the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion while the first fastener member remains in contact with the second fastener-members.

13. The garment ofclaim 10 wherein the compression adjustment arrangement comprises a unidirectional hook and loop arrangement wherein the first fastener member comprises a plurality of unidirectional hooks and each of the second fastener members comprises a plurality of hooks configured to receive the unidirectional hooks of the first fastener member, and wherein the unidirectional hook and loop arrangement is configured to allow the first fastener member to slide relative to the second fastener members in a direction that increases the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion while the first fastener member remains in contact with the second fastener members.

14. The garment ofclaim 9 wherein the compression adjustment arrangement includes indicia of the degree of stretch of the at least one fabric portion based on the position of the first fastener member in engagement with one of the second fastener members.

15. The garment ofclaim 9 wherein the first fastener member has a first shape and each of the plurality of second fastener members has a shape that is substantially the same as the first shape.

16. The garment ofclaim 9 wherein the at least one fabric portion comprises a first fabric portion and a second fabric portion, the second fabric portion moveable on the garment relative to the first fabric portion, the first fastener member positioned on the first fabric portion and the second fastener members incrementally positioned on the second fabric portion.

17. A garment comprising:

a first fabric portion comprised of a stretchable material;

a second fabric portion moveable on the garment relative to the first fabric portion; and

a fastening arrangement including a first fastener pad coupled to the first fabric portion and a plurality of discrete second fastener pads coupled to the second fabric portion, the first fastener pad providing a first fastener member and the plurality of discrete second fastener pads providing a plurality of second fastener members, the first fastener member and the plurality of second fastener members having substantially the same shape, wherein the first fastener member and a first of the second fastener members are releasably coupled together to retain the first fabric portion in place relative to the second fabric portion with the first fabric portion at a first degree of stretch with an associated indicia of the first degree of stretch provided on the second fabric portion in association with the first of the second fastener members, and wherein the fastener arrangement is further configured such that coupling of the first fastener member to a second of the second fastener members retains the first fabric portion in place relative to the second fabric portion with the first fabric portion at a second degree of stretch with an associated indicia of the second degree of stretch provided on the second fabric portion in association with the second of the second fastener members.

18. The garment ofclaim 17 wherein the fastening arrangement comprises a unidirectional hook and loop arrangement configured to allow the first fastener member to slide relative to the plurality of discrete second fastener members when the first fastener member is in contact with the plurality of discrete second fastener members.

19. The garment ofclaim 18 wherein first fastener member of the unidirectional hook and loop arrangement is a unidirectional hook pad, and wherein the plurality of discrete second fastener members of the unidirectional hook and loop arrangement are provided by docking pads that are complimentary to the unidirectional hook pad.

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